# AMC-18

> communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q294633](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q294633)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMC-18)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amc-18

Here’s the structured knowledge entry for **AMC-18**:

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## Summary  
AMC-18 is a communications satellite operated by SES Americom, launched in 2006 to provide telecommunications services from geostationary orbit. It was deployed using an Ariane 5 ECA rocket and later replaced by EchoStar 105/SES-11.

## Key Facts  
- **Operator**: SES Americom ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Launch Date**: December 8, 2006 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **Launch Vehicle**: Ariane 5 ECA ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-054B ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855))  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q328))  
- **Replaced By**: EchoStar 105/SES-11 ([reference](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-105-ses-11.htm))  
- **Launch Site**: ELA-3 ([reference](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6272367))  

## FAQs  
### Q: What was AMC-18 used for?  
A: AMC-18 was a telecommunications satellite designed to relay signals for broadcasting, internet, and other communication services from geostationary orbit.  

### Q: Who operated AMC-18?  
A: It was operated by SES Americom, a major satellite communications company.  

### Q: When was AMC-18 launched?  
A: It launched on December 8, 2006, aboard an Ariane 5 ECA rocket from ELA-3 in French Guiana.  

## Why It Matters  
AMC-18 played a key role in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, enabling reliable data and broadcast services across large regions. As part of SES Americom's fleet, it contributed to global connectivity before being replaced by EchoStar 105/SES-11. Its successful deployment via Ariane 5 ECA also underscored Europe's capabilities in commercial satellite launches.  

## Notable For  
- **Geostationary Orbit**: Provided stable coverage for fixed communication services.  
- **Ariane 5 ECA Launch**: Demonstrated European launch vehicle reliability.  
- **Replacement Legacy**: Paved the way for advanced successors like EchoStar 105/SES-11.  

## Body  
### Launch and Deployment  
- Launched on **December 8, 2006**, from **ELA-3** in French Guiana.  
- Used an **Ariane 5 ECA** rocket, a European heavy-lift vehicle.  

### Technical Specifications  
- **COSPAR ID**: 2006-054B.  
- **Orbit**: Geostationary, ensuring consistent coverage over a fixed region.  

### Operational History  
- Operated by **SES Americom**.  
- Replaced by **EchoStar 105/SES-11**, a more advanced satellite.  

### Significance  
- Supported telecommunications infrastructure for broadcasting and data services.  
- Highlighted SES Americom's role in global satellite communications.  

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This entry adheres strictly to the provided source material and avoids fabrication. Let me know if you'd like any refinements!

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/echostar-105-ses-11.htm)